A fast-spreading disease has been detected in Congo by the health authorities there that has claimed 31 lives as of yet while putting thousands at risk of the infection for new infection referred to as disease X. There is not much information about the illness. Still, there is a chance that it might be a respiratory illness that is spreading very fast. Since there is minimal knowledge about this particular strain of infective agent, it is temporarily labelled as disease X. The WHO is still investigating the outbreak, so let’s learn more about it.
What is the disease X?
Disease X is a term used to label a disease that can cause the next worldwide pandemic following the COVID-19 pandemic. It refers to a highly infectious disease that can cause widespread and morbid infections in humans and, therefore, bring about a worldwide health crisis and a pandemic-like situation that could overwhelm the healthcare systems. X denotes an unknown entity, a virus, bacteria or another agent.
What are the symptoms of disease X?
Disease symptoms of disease x include the following general symptoms and also certain types of specific symptoms depending on the infectious agent and the part it affects. Some of the symptoms are as follows:
- Cough, which could be dry or associated with phlegm
- Fever, which could be on and off or very high and unwavering
- Rashes on the skin or the inner lining
- Of the body cavity
- Headache all over the head and body aches
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Running nose
- Another unique symptom report is anemia among the affected patients.
These are only some of the suspected symptoms of the X disease so that one can wear identity at the start and thus interrupt it to prevent its spread.
Who does the disease X primarily affect?
The X disease in Congo is predominantly affecting the children population that is malnourished and underweight, making their immune system very weak and making them very susceptible. Unfortunately, this disease is fatal and also causes high mortality in the affected kids.
What are the steps being taken to curtail the epidemic?
The government of Congo, in participation with the support of the WHO and the Africa Centre for Disease Control, is trying to contain the outbreak by isolation cases, treating them symptomatically, scanning the other kids for any possible sign of infection and spreading awareness among the masses about its existence and therefore preventing its occurrence.
Why did this outbreak of the X disease happen?
Some scientists investigating the disease feel that this illness can result from the destabilisation of the forest environment in the area, which can lead to increased interaction with wild animals and their infectious diseases, one of which has probably been transmitted to humans in the region. The pathogen could have roots in the zoonotic cycles circulating within the forest animals.
What is the current state of affairs in Congo with the new X disease?
The current status of the outbreak in Congo is still being investigated as the Panzi village is far inside the interiors of the Congo, and communication is still being established with the people. The infection started in October this year and has affected over 400 people. There were over a hundred deaths reported, but the investigative team figures are around 31 deaths. A multidisciplinary team from the WHO has been dispatched to handle the situation and study the pathogen and its behaviour to contain the epidemic in this remote area of Congo.
How can you stay safe from new flu and viral epidemics?
Prevention is the best cure in the case of infectious diseases. Therefore, it is advised that one only goes to a few crowded places with personal protection equipment like masks, sanitisers and gloves. Kids and older adults are best encouraged to be at home during the flu season as new strains of flu viruses are circulating and old seasonal ones are returning. Maintain a healthy weight and immune system, and stay physically fit to keep your defence systems robust against viruses.